Rejuvenated Roddick looking to regain crown

SAN JOSE, Feb 12 (Reuters) Andy Roddick will be hoping to continue his recent resurgence by winning the San Jose Open for the third time when the first event of the North American indoor season begins today.

The world number four, the champion in 2004 and 2005, goes into the event full of confidence having followed up his runners-up finish at the U.S. Open last September by reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open last month.

Roddick then won both his singles matches at the weekend to help the United States beat the Czech Republic in the opening round of the Davis Cup.

Though Roddick will have to adjust to the speed of the slick indoor courts at the HP Pavilon, he will be confident that he can maintain his form and regain the title he relinquished to Scottish teenager Andy Murray in 2006.

His semi-final defeat by Murray here last year was one of many disappointing displays from the former world number one and US Open champion, who in July fell outside the world's top 10 for the first time in more than three years.

However, the 24-year-old then pulled off a coup when, shortly after an early exit from the French Open, he convinced former world number one Jimmy Connors to become his coach.

The relationship got off to an inauspicious start when Roddick was beaten by Murray in straight sets in the third round at Wimbledon, but the effects were not long in coming.

Showing some of the aggressiveness typical of Connors in his pomp and attacking with his backhand - the major weakness in his game - he won the Masters Series event in Cincinnati in August.

With Connors watching on proudly, the American bulldozed his way to the final of the US Open, bowing out in four sets to world number one Roger Federer.

''He has made me believe in myself,'' Roddick has said on many occasions since he and Connors joined forces.

If he is to win the title, though, Roddick will probably have to get past Murray again. He is drawn to face the 19-year-old in the semi-finals.

The Scot, who has risen to within sight of the world's top 10 after reaching the last 16 at the Australian Open, has been in California for a week to prepare for his title defence.

American James Blake, two places behind Roddick in the world rankings at six, is seeded to meet Roddick in the final. Former world number one Marat Safin could also be a big threat.

REUTERS DH HS1204